Gladys West Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Gladys West, born in 1930, kicked off her career in the early 1950s when she joined the U.S. military as a mathematician. She was one of the few African American women to hold this position at the time, breaking barriers in a field dominated by men.

Her work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division was pivotal. Here, she calculated the mathematical tables that were crucial for the accuracy of the satellite used in the Global Positioning System (GPS). This groundbreaking work, though unrecognized for decades, laid the foundation for the GPS technology we use today.

Gladys West’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Gladys West’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to the latest available information. This figure is a testament to her remarkable career and contributions to the field of mathematics and technology.

Career

Gladys West began her career at NASA’s Guidance and Control Division in 1956. She played a pivotal role in the development of satellite geodesy, which is the science of determining the shape of the Earth using satellite measurements. Her work laid the foundation for GPS technology, which is now ubiquitous in modern life. West retired from NASA in 1998 but continues to be recognized for her significant contributions to the field.

Other Ventures

In addition to her work at NASA, Gladys West has been involved in various other ventures. She has served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the National Technical Association and the Association for Women Geoscientists. She has also been involved in mentoring and inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Assets

Gladys West’s assets primarily consist of her home in Virginia, which she purchased in the 1960s, and her retirement savings. She also owns a collection of awards and accolades that she has received throughout her career, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

Annual Income

As a retired NASA mathematician, Gladys West’s primary source of income is her pension. Her annual income is estimated to be around $50,000, according to the latest available information. This figure does not include any income from speaking engagements or awards that she may receive for her contributions to the field of mathematics and technology.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Gladys West

Frequently Asked Questions: Gladys West Net Worth

1. What is Gladys West’s net worth?

Gladys West’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000.

2. How did Gladys West make her money?

Gladys West made her money primarily through her career as a mathematician and her contributions to the development of GPS technology.

3. What is Gladys West known for?

Gladys West is known for her significant contributions to the development of GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. She played a crucial role in analyzing satellite data and developing algorithms that made GPS possible.

4. When was Gladys West born?

Gladys West was born on April 29, 1930.

5. Where was Gladys West born?

Gladys West was born in King and Queen County, Virginia, USA.

6. What was Gladys West’s education background?

Gladys West earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Virginia State University in 1952. She later completed graduate-level courses in mathematics and computer science at Virginia Tech and the University of Delaware.

7. Where did Gladys West work?

Gladys West worked for the Naval Proving Ground (now known as the Naval Surface Warfare Center) in Dahlgren, Virginia, for 42 years, from 1956 to 1998.

8. What awards has Gladys West received?

Gladys West has received numerous awards for her contributions, including the Bronze Medal from the Department of Defense in 1976, the Black Engineer of the Year Award in 1998, and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2018.

9. Is Gladys West still alive?

Yes, Gladys West is still alive. She celebrated her 92nd birthday in April 2022.

10. What is the significance of Gladys West’s work?

Gladys West’s work is significant because it played a crucial role in the development of GPS technology, which is now used worldwide for navigation, communication, and timing systems. Her contributions have had a profound impact on modern life and technology.